Association Government

Board Meetings take place on every FOURTH Thursday of the month. The Board packages are available for review here

Association Responsibilities Community associations are created to provide exclusive benefits to the owners within a specific real estate development. The responsibilities may vary with each community, and are in accordance with the desires of the association members and their elected Board of Directors.

The specific duties and responsibilities of a community association are found within their unique set of governing documents. These governing documents typically consist of:

Articles of Incorporation (though some condominiums do not have Articles of Incorporation since many states treat condominiums like corporations) - Sets forth the structure and basic governance of the corporate body

Bylaws - Defines how the association is to be operated.

In general, the duties and responsibilities of a community association consist of any combination of the following six areas:

Common AreasCommunity common areas can be as little as a sign and median strip at the front entrance to a small single-family home community, to as large as a planned community of 25,000 homes which contains extensive greenspace (parks, trails), recreational facilities (marinas, clubhouses, pools, tennis courts), streets and parking areas.

Deed RestrictionsDeed restrictions are designed to provide a common standard of conduct for the community, and may define rules concerning the size and number of pets, limitations on parking and types of vehicles, renting of the home, age restriction of residents, business use of the home, and maintaining the appearance of the property.

Architectural ControlArchitectural control provides the mechanism to ensure that the character and aesthetic harmony of the community is maintained in subsequent years, and protected from a gradual deterioration of standards. Prior to purchasing a home in a community association, a prospective buyer should review the architectural restrictions to ensure agreement with standards.

Services & Maintenance ResponsibilitiesMaintenance and repair responsibilities coordinated by the association provide consistent appearance and quality of work throughout the community, as well as the time-saving benefit for the members. The collective group purchasing power provides for economical services for the common enjoyment of all residents.

Protection of Property Values Although usually not specifically listed within the governing documents, one of the primary purposes of an association is to protect property values. Whenever someone allows the appearance of their yard and home to seriously deteriorate, it often negatively impacts their neighbors and their property values.

Compliance with common standards helps to ensure the pleasing appearance of the community, the marketability of homes, and maximizes - if not enhances - their collective property values.

Quality of Lifestyle Another association purpose usually not stated within the governing documents is to maintain a quality of lifestyle for all of the community residents. All too often, we lock ourselves into our homes without having the opportunity to enjoy the company of our neighbors while celebrating the various traditions and festivities during the year. The association can and should act as the vehicle to help bring neighbors together to foster a sense of community.

Architectural ReviewThe Architectural Review Board exists so that Overlook Foundation, Inc. can remain a special place to live. Anyone wishing to make external changes to their property must meet the association requirements for modifications and submit an application before initiating work.Architectural Review and Covenants Committee Process:

Read the Design Guidelines The ARCC Homeowners’ Handbook, as well as other legally binding documents, are provided to homeowners prior to closing on the purchase of a house in Overlook. Please read the guidelines and application requirements carefully before submitting your application. The ARCC Homeowners’ Handbook is also on this web site under "Association Government/Design Guidelines/Homeowners’ Handbook Change 10". The Architectural Modification Request Form is on the same page, along with other helpful documents.

Submit an Architectural Modification Request Form Submit your application, along with any other required documentation by email to arcc@overlookva.org. The application and other required information may also be mailed to Overlook ARCC, 5315 Birds View Lane, Alexandria, VA 22312 or placed in the mailbox to the right of the front door of the Clubhouse. Incomplete information may delay your project.

ARCC Review The Committee will review your application and perform any site inspections outlined in the association documents. You will be contacted if the ARCC has questions or if there are problems with your request. Note - the ARCC enforces community guidelines but it is up to you to make sure you meet local permit requirements.

Approval or Rejection You will be notified of the approval or rejection of your request. If you have questions about the disposition, please contact the ARCC by email to arcc@overlookva.org.